AP Authentication with Hidden SSID

TL;DR

Connecting to a wireless network (AP) with a hidden SSID requires manually adding the network in your device’s settings, specifying the security type and password. This guide explains how to do this on common operating systems.

Solution Guide

1. Understand Hidden SSIDs: A hidden SSID doesn’t broadcast the network name. It still exists but isn’t automatically visible in Wi-Fi lists. Security through obscurity is not a strong security measure; WPA2/WPA3 encryption is vital.
2. Find Network Details: You’ll need the following information from the AP administrator:
   • SSID (Network Name): The exact name of the network, case-sensitive.
   • Security Type: Usually WPA2 or WPA3 Personal. (Sometimes older standards like WEP are used – avoid these if possible).
   • Password/Passphrase: The network key.
3. Connect on Windows:
   1. Click the Wi-Fi icon in your system tray.
   2. Select ‘Network & Internet settings’.
   3. Choose ‘Wi-Fi’ from the left menu.
   4. Click ‘Show available networks’.
   5. Scroll down and select ‘Add a network manually’.
   6. Enter the following:
      • Network name: The SSID.
      • Security type: Choose WPA2-Personal or WPA3-Personal (matching your AP’s configuration).
      • Security key: Enter the password/passphrase.
      • Ensure ‘Connect automatically when in range’ is checked if desired.
   7. Click ‘Save’.
4. Connect on macOS:
   1. Click the Wi-Fi icon in your menu bar.
   2. Select ‘Other Networks…’ from the dropdown.
   3. Enter the following:
      • Network Name: The SSID.
      • Security: Choose WPA2 Personal or WPA3 Personal (matching your AP’s configuration).
      • Password: Enter the password/passphrase.
   4. Click ‘Join’.
5. Connect on Android:
   1. Open ‘Settings’ and go to ‘Connections’ or ‘Wi-Fi’.
   2. Tap ‘Add network’.
   3. Enter the following:
      • Network name: The SSID.
      • Security: Choose WPA2/WPA3 Personal (matching your AP’s configuration).
      • Password: Enter the password/passphrase.
   4. Tap ‘Save’.
6. Connect on iOS (iPhone/iPad):
   1. Open ‘Settings’ and go to ‘Wi-Fi’.
   2. Tap ‘Other…’.
   3. Enter the following:
      • Network: The SSID.
      • Security: Choose WPA2 Personal or WPA3 Personal (matching your AP’s configuration).
      • Password: Enter the password/passphrase.
   4. Tap ‘Join’.
7. Troubleshooting:
   • Incorrect Password: Double-check the password is entered correctly (case-sensitive).
   • Wrong Security Type: Ensure you’ve selected the correct security type.
   • Hidden Network Not Appearing: After adding manually, it should appear in your Wi-Fi list once saved. If not, restart your device and try again.
   • AP Issues: Verify the AP is broadcasting correctly (though hidden) and that the password hasn’t been changed on the AP itself.